Sight for Sore Eyes

Truly, there is something different about both Elijah and Amaris. They both believe in life outside the walls, as well as being able to manipulate the mana in the environment. To Amaris' knowledge he knows of not a single person like the two of them besides the mystery folks that followed Amaris to this Kingdom. However, this is without seeing the council members use their magic. Even then, they could be hiding it the exact same way Elijah is hiding it.

The council members are simply people who don't bother themselves with fighting. They leave everything to the people underneath them, and act as the hands that move the chest pieces. Their positions are important, but also, their help would be tremendous for the kingdom.

The night was filled with a certain beast meat that has garnered the attention of the public, a meat that is easily preserved, and has a nice taste to it. The meat of the frost elk's. The reason for the name is because with every step they take, the ground slightly freezes and cools below them. They have huge antlers, and are at least an orange core beast that shoots a multitude of spells directly from their antlers. The people believe this beast is one of the fortunate beasts in the sense that their antlers are a perfect source to channel mana and release it. Just a little salt and pepper in the fire chamber, which is a combination between an oven and a grill, topped with aromatic herbs, and you have a delicious and healthy meal.

The table was filled with chatter between the parents and kids. This was one of the first formal dinners since a cook was rehired. Vegetables were in surplus from the rooftop gardens, and meat was in surplus from the large amount of beasts being killed just outside the gate. A noble family grants you privilege, and even with a single elk carcass, the entire family was fed for months.

Eaton took Elijah to the grand foyer to speak with him privately. His developed face stature excited Elijah. That would be his future!

 Eaton's middle part black hair caught Elijah's attention. It reminded him of age twenty. "I know we haven't talked very much, but I am in a party with Emery's older brother. Don't ask me why I know this, but Emery's party is going to be doing everything to make you fail. Emery himself actually enjoys your presence, and even would like to get to know you. But… the normalcy around his family and the Weltor's prevents him from being friendly, as well as the people he had surrounded himself with."

"I understand. And to tell you the truth, I expected something like this would happen as well. They made a scene when they saw me signing up with the rest of my party." Elijah nodded towards Eaton, someone he looked up to very much. His pronunciation and grammar were more refined than his, and was also a top candidate going into his magic academy class.

The morning came quickly, and at the very center of the world was a black haired boy waving his hands and throwing punches into the air. A small nutritious breakfast of eggs and dates was quickly eaten. Elijah would prefer honey, but to his knowledge, it either didn't exist in this world similar to earth, or simply didn't exist within the range of the Astraea Kingdom.

"It's been a while since we have been in a carriage together."

"It feels good." Elijah didn't respond much to Alexia's hint to say something nice back to her, but was instead looking at the silent Novius staring out of the window. Even between missions where the trio would socialize with each other, Novius felt distant every now and then, random. 

"Are you feeling okay Novius?" Elijah asked a logical question to deter him from thinking anything else.

"If I remember, I will tell you after the qualifiers."

The grand Magical Academy was on the border of Centerpool, and looked over into the Inner Northeast. Within the Magic Academy were five buildings. Three dedicated to magic, magitech, and potions, while the other two were dedicated to combat and strategy. Within the combat building was the arena that was originally made for the Beast Game's and a training ground. This was long since stopped three decades ago and has not been converted into something else, but now solely used as a massive training ground.

 Yes, the multiple horseshoe driveways were lined to the brim with covered ornate carriages made from wood and pigmented leather. Although, it would be far busier a couple days from now when the semi-finals started.

"Full name and guild sector please." After waiting in a line of carriages, a finely dressed man opened the door and got straight to business.

"Alexia Sinclair, West"

"Elijah Veran, West"

…

"Novius Weltor, West"

"Please follow everyone in front of you, and continue to do exactly what they do. If you have weapons you would like to use, they need to be inspected by the equipment specialists. Once you register your weapon as part of you, you cannot change it without notice."

The instructions were clear, but the man had obviously gone into auto-pilot mode some time ago, and was unconsciously venting his emotions. 

Stone, wood, and floristry filled the hallways, as well as painting and mirrors every now and then. The reason for the mirrors? No idea. Classrooms eerily similar to the classrooms commonly used in Elijah's previous line the hallways, with even more hallways opening up every three classrooms. The walk gave insight into Elijah's future, but something about his situation made him feel like he wouldn't even make it to the magic academy before he simply left the kingdom. Life was truly amazing here, but truly only before the wall fell. 

Following the group of similar aged kids in front of him, he placed only his black short sword on the metal countertop. "Now this is an expertly crafted piece!"

Elijah was surprised as it seemed mediocre within the guild building, but just maybe this guy wasn't from around here.

The quick sketches the man made of his sword gave him a tense feeling. How rough does one have to be? The ink pen was definitely made from metal, but even that didn't stop the man from creating a bend close to the spout. Elijah was handed a thick piece of leather with his short sword and name drawn, or more so carved onto it, which would connect him to his sword.

"Follow the people in front of you into the room. The rules and goals of the tournament will be described in greater detail, and when your first match has been checked in, you will be put into a queue."

Inside the stone room filled with rows and rows of seats was one man, Lorsen Creveron. The towering man felt like an eight foot tall giant, but was really just standing on a ledge overlooking the staggered chairs. Kids behind Elijah continued to pile in, and just before he sat down near the back, a familiar face turned around in the very front row.

Niko's black hair had changed. Instead of not having a style with about three inches of hair, it was cut extremely short, a buzz cut. With a wave of Niko's hand Elijah smiled and waved back. 

Very soon, these two people, almost destined to fight together, would reunite.